November 18–22, 2026 | Mérida, Yucatán | Free Admission
If you love live music, November is bringing something exciting to Mérida! The Mérida Jazz Festival 2026 returns November 18–22 with five days of free concerts, masterclasses, artist conversations, and a special book presentation featuring musicians from Mexico, Cuba, the United States, France, and the Netherlands.
Organized by the City of Mérida (Ayuntamiento de Mérida), this year’s festival brings together an impressive collection of international and Mexican jazz artists, with performances taking place in two of Mérida’s most charming public parks—Parque de Santa Ana and Parque de La Mejorada.
Admission is completely free!
From Afro-Cuban jazz and progressive fusion to funk, soul, electronic jazz, and contemporary improvisation, the festival promises a fascinating mix of musical styles.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Mérida Jazz Festival 2026, including the complete schedule, featured artists, venues, and what to expect.
What Is the Mérida Jazz Festival 2026?
The Mérida Jazz Festival is a five-day cultural celebration organized by the City of Mérida, bringing national and international musicians together through live performances, educational activities, and conversations about music.
The 2026 edition takes place from Wednesday, November 18, through Sunday, November 22, with evening concerts at public parks and daytime events at cultural centers and universities throughout Mérida.
The festival is designed for audiences of all ages and includes:
- Free outdoor jazz concerts
- International and Mexican jazz performers
- Masterclasses and discussions with musicians
- Conversations about composition and creativity
- A photography book presentation exploring the lives of musicians
Mérida Jazz Festival 2026: Complete Schedule
Wednesday, November 18 — Opening Day
11:00 AM | MASTERCLASS & ALBUM PRESENTATION
“My First” — Expectations vs. Reality with 3SOME
📍 Centro Cultural Olimpo — Video Room
The Rotterdam-based jazz fusion trio 3SOME opens the festival’s educational program with a discussion about the expectations and realities of developing and establishing a band.
The musicians will share experiences from their creative journey and the development of their album My First.
Moderated and interpreted by Perla Vega.
7:00 PM | LIVE JAZZ CONCERT
Carlos Rodríguez + 3SOME + Mario Esquivel
📍 Parque de La Mejorada
The festival’s opening concert brings together musicians from Mexico and the Netherlands.
Carlos Rodríguez presents contemporary jazz compositions influenced by bebop, funk, and traditional Mexican music.
Joining him is 3SOME, a progressive jazz fusion trio from Rotterdam whose energetic sound combines jazz, funk, and urban musical influences.
The evening also features Mario Esquivel, a major figure in Yucatán’s musical history whose career spans more than six decades.
Thursday, November 19 — Exploring the Creative Process
11:00 AM | MASTERCLASS & DISCUSSION
The Creative Process: Gina Osorno, Paco Godoy & Carlos Rodríguez
📍 Universidad Modelo
How do musicians develop their ideas and transform them into compositions?
This conversation brings together Gina Osorno, Paco Godoy, and Carlos Rodríguez to explore different approaches to musical creativity and composition.
Moderated by Gerry Rosado.
7:30 PM | BOOK PRESENTATION
Músicos de a pie: The Stories Behind the Photographs
📍 Centro Cultural José Martí
Photographer Mariano Aparicio presents Músicos de a pie, sharing the stories behind his photographs and the musicians who inspired them.
Moderated by Sara Valenzuela.
It’s an interesting opportunity to explore the connection between music, photography, and storytelling.
Friday, November 20 — Cuban Jazz Meets Mexican Fusion
11:00 AM | MASTERCLASS & ARTIST TALK
A Conversation with Eric Deutsch
📍 Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán — Room 7, Building C
American pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Eric Deutsch discusses his musical career and creative approach.
His work moves between contemporary jazz, improvisation, funk, folk, and experimental sounds.
Moderated by Sara Valenzuela.
7:00 PM | LIVE JAZZ CONCERT
Gina Osorno-Voice Prints + Eric Deutsch + Mexica No Jazz
📍 Parque de Santa Ana
Friday evening brings together an exciting combination of Mexico and the United States.
Gina Osorno – Voice Prints
Yucatecan singer and composer Gina Osorno brings more than 17 years of experience in jazz, blues, funk, and soul.
Known for her expressive voice and emotional performances, she has developed a distinctive musical identity within Yucatán’s contemporary music scene.
Eric Deutsch
American pianist and composer Eric Deutsch returns for the closing performance, bringing his versatile approach to jazz, funk, improvisation, and experimental music.
Mexica No Jazz
Led by multi-instrumentalist and producer Last Jerónimo, Mexica No Jazz combines traditional Mexican musical influences—including son jarocho and Afro-Mexican roots—with contemporary jazz.
The result is an innovative approach that connects Mexican musical traditions with modern improvisation.
Saturday, November 21 — Jazz from New York, France & Yucatán
11:00 AM | MASTERCLASS & ARTIST TALK
A Conversation with Ben Allison
📍 Disonante Refugio Sónico
American bassist, composer, and producer Ben Allison is one of the influential figures in New York’s contemporary jazz scene.
Known for his innovative approach to composition, his music incorporates influences from folk, experimental rock, and chamber music.
Moderated by Sara Valenzuela.
7:00 PM | INTERNATIONAL JAZZ CONCERT
Electric Conejo + FŒHN trio + Allison, Cardenas, Nash & Wilson
📍 Parque de Santa Ana
Saturday’s concert brings together three distinctive musical projects representing the United States, France, and Mexico.
Conejo Eléctrico
Originally from Mérida, Conejo Eléctrico was formed in 2021 by musicians with extensive experience in Mexico’s jazz scene.
The group’s music combines contemporary jazz, funk, soul, and Latin rhythms, creating an energetic and contemporary sound.
Ben Allison
A celebrated New York bassist and composer, Allison is known for his imaginative compositions and his ability to move between different musical traditions.
His work incorporates contemporary jazz, folk, rock, and cinematic influences.
FŒHN Trio
Originally from Lyon, France, FŒHN creates atmospheric music combining modern jazz, electronic elements, and ambient soundscapes.
The trio blends acoustic instruments with electronic textures to produce an immersive and cinematic listening experience.
Sunday, November 22 — The Grand Finale
7:00 PM | CLOSING JAZZ CONCERT
Emmanuel Mora Organ Trío + Carlos Averhoff Jr. + Sy Smith
📍 Parque de Santa Ana
The festival concludes with an exciting combination of Mexican and American musicians.
Emmanuel Mora Organ Trío
Mexican guitarist Emmanuel Mora leads a trio inspired by the classic organ-trio format, featuring guitar, organ, and drums.
Their music explores hard bop, soul jazz, and improvisation.
Carlos Averhoff Jr. / iQba
Cuban saxophonist Carlos Averhoff Jr. is recognized for his work in contemporary Afro-Cuban jazz.
His project iQba brings together accomplished musicians from Cuba and the international jazz scene, combining the energy of timba with traditional Cuban musical influences.
Sy Smith
American singer, songwriter, and producer Sy Smith brings a wonderful combination of jazz, neo-soul, funk, and contemporary R&B.
Her international career includes collaborations with major artists such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Usher.
This should be a fantastic way to close five days of music in Mérida!
Where Does the Mérida Jazz Festival Take Place?
The festival takes place at several cultural venues and public parks around Mérida.
Parque de Santa Ana
📍 Calle 60 at Calle 47, Centro, Mérida
Parque de La Mejorada
📍 Calle 50 between Calles 57 and 59, Centro, Mérida
Centro Cultural Olimpo
📍 Calle 62 at Calle 61, Centro, Mérida
Universidad Modelo
📍 Antigua Carretera a Cholul, Mérida
Centro Cultural José Martí
📍 Avenida Colón at Calle 20, Colonia García Ginerés
Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán
📍 Calle 55 between Calles 46 and 48, Centro, Mérida
Disonante Refugio Sónico
📍 Avenida Pérez Ponce No. 113, Colonia Itzimná
More Things to Do in Mérida in November
November is a wonderful month to explore Mérida’s cultural scene.
In addition to the Jazz Festival, the city offers art exhibitions, live performances, cultural activities, and plenty of opportunities to discover Yucatán’s gastronomy and traditions.
Check both our weekly upcoming events calendar and our ongoing calendar!
